Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

Performance in respect of tackling the waiting lists has been unsatisfactory in recent months. A particular problem appeared to have arisen during the month of August when waiting times increased by, on average, 16%. In places like Roscommon and Tullow the waiting time increased by seven weeks during the month of August alone. In Clondalkin the waiting time increased by four weeks. The key problem appears to be the lack of adequate cover for staff during holiday time.

It is completely unacceptable that people who applied for the jobseeker's allowance this month or even last month will not receive their payment before Christmas. By any standard, that is completely unacceptable. Performance in this area has been very poor. What arrangements has the Minister made to ensure adequate cover when staff are on holiday or on sick leave, as can be expected given that winter is approaching?

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